AUGUST 22, 2023
Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, “Urusei Yatsura“, celebrated its 45th anniversary on August 22, 2023, and Sorachi was one of the several mangaka to draw an illustration to commemorate it, which was included in Weekly Shonen Sunday issue 39.
Sorachi’s illustration features the main heroine, Lum, zapping Gintama‘s Elizabeth and Ranma 1/2‘s Genma Saotome (panda form). Genma Saotome is a character who, just like Elizabeth, resorts to talking through signposts when he transforms into a panda. The inclusion of the character is an additional homage paid to Rumiko and Ranma 1/2 for their influence on both Sorachi and Gintama.
In addition to the illustration, Sorachi added a funny yet heartfelt message to Rumiko, which goes as follows:
“A thieving author who earns a small fortune from other magazines, while being influenced by Rumic World has come to Sunday to get punished. Lum-chan, Rumiko-Sensei, not just for 45 years, but make us, the hopeless Ataru’s* of Japan, happy for another 50, or 100 more years.”
Also, Elizabeth and Genma had messages in their respective signposts reacting to the zap from Lum. Elizabeth apologized to Genma saying “Sorry for plagiarizing you.”, while Genma says “Why am I involved in this”
Will there ever be a collaboration between the authors in the future?
*Ataru Moroboshi, the main protagonist of Urusei Yatsura.
Yorozuya Shinigami 